Improved racing in Russia has helped increase interest from buyers from that country at this year’s Keeneland September yearling sale.

Sergey Efros, president of the Jockey Club of Russia, expects Russian buyers to purchase about 100 Thoroughbreds at this year’s sale at prices ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. Last year, Russian buyers purchased about 40 horses at Keeneland September.

“This will be a record number of horses for Russian buyers,” Efros said.

Efros said interest in racing has increased in Russia since the department of agriculture approved the country’s Jockey Club to oversee all races. Previously, regional groups and racing clubs would conduct their own meetings.

This year, Russia conducted about 100 races worth a total of about $1.5-million in purses. All races are conducted at the Moscow Hippodrome.

Russia even conducted a day like the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, offering races for the country’s top horses in each division.

“We’re moving up,” Efros said.

Efros said in partnership he has purchased 12 horses and plans to buy ten more before sale’s end. Besides buying horses, Efros is working with other Russian buyers to coordinate transportation plans.
(Source: Thoroughbred Times)